The reproductive system is like a symphony. It has different sections – the strings, percussion and horns. Each section must begin to play right on cue for a contada to result. Every part of the reproductive system must be ready for fertility/conception to occur. As with a symphony, in the reproductive system, timing is everything. If ovulation and the physiological processes that influence conception are functioning properly, the information and tools offered in this section will help you in your journey to pregnancy.During ovulation, when an egg is available for fertilization, is when conception becomes possible. However, it is not necessary for intercourse to occur precisely at the moment of ovulation. Fortunately, there is actually about a 4 day window in which intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy . Your most fertile time is about 12 to 15 days before the beginning of the next menstrual period. In our example of a typical 28 day menstrual cycle (Female Body: Typical Menstrual Cycle), Cycle Days 12-15 would be the most likely days for intercourse to result in pregnancy. At this time, the woman’s pituitary gland dramatically increases production of the hormone LH. This increase is commonly known as the “LH surge”. Within one and a half days after the LH surge, a follicle in the ovary ruptures and releases a mature egg. This process is called ovulation. The time around ovulation is the most optimal time to have intercourse in order to enhance the chance for pregnancy. As soon as the LH surge is detected, intercourse should begin. Even though ovulation has yet to take place, sperm can live up to 72 hours within the female reproductive tract. Therefore, sperm should be present and ready for fertilization when the egg is released. Intercourse should again take place the day of ovulation and the following day to further optimize the chance for conception.

Assuming there are no fertility problems, it may still take several months to conceive. In fact a couple without fertility problems has only a 25% chance of making a baby each month. Therefore, timing intercourse may be very helpful to enhance the chance for pregnancy. It is important to remember however, that many other factors must be present for fertilization to take place. The male must produce a sufficient number of normal, actively moving sperm in order to achieve conception. The female’s reproductive tract must be able to receive sperm and allow them to migrate from the vagina, through the cervix, and into the fallopian tubes. She must produce fertile cervical mucus to help the sperm travel through the cervix. Her fallopian tubes must be healthy enough to perform their function of helping the sperm get to the egg, and then to protect and nourish the fertilized egg, and deliver it into the womb. Inside the womb, the endometrial lining must be able to allow implantation and nourishment to the embryo as it develops into a fetus. All of these factors must be present for a successful pregnancy.